Nebraska Task Force One, the Urban Search and Rescue Team
based at the Lincoln Fire Department, is headed to Salt Lake
City, Utah in February to serve as emergency responders if
needed at the 2002 Winter Olympics. The team will leave
February 10th and return the 17th. All expenses will be
covered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

"This team performed admirably when it was deployed to the
New York City last year," said Mayor Don Wesely. "We can be
very proud that this team of highly trained professionals is
based here in our Capital City."

Fire Chief Mike Spadt, who will remain in Lincoln, said team
members will participate in training exercises during their
week in Salt Lake City. They will be led by Deputy Fire
Chief Dean Staberg. The local unit has 70 members, including
60 members of the Fire Department as well as physicians,
structural engineers and K-9 handlers. Although the individuals
on the team vary, Spadt said many of those who assisted in New
York City September 24th through October 1st will be going to
Salt Lake City.

"This is another outstanding opportunity for the team and the Fire
Department," said Chief Spadt. "We certainly hope we aren't called
on to use our skills, but if an incident happens, we'll be ready, and
we'll be there."

Nebraska Task Force One, formed by the Lincoln Fire Department in
1991, is one of 28 in the country that make up the Urban Search and
Rescue Team and one of only six in the nation the to be designated
as a Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Task Force. FEMA will deploy
all six WMD Task Forces to Salt Lake City for the training and
stand-by duty.

Salt Lake City will host the 2002 Winter Olympics from February
8th through 24th.